Successful PhD at FST: Analysis and modelling of the flow in profiled annular seals

On 21 February 2024, Dr.-Ing. Robin Robrecht defended his doctoral thesis on “ Analysis and modelling of the flow in profiled annular seals ” with distinction. The dissertation was reviewed by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter F. Pelz and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andreas Brümmer from the Chair of Fluidics at TU Dortmund University, whom the we would like to take this opportunity to thank Prof. Brümmer for the collaboration and being the co-supervisor.

The core of Mr Robrecht's research at the Institute was the analytical and numerical investigation of the complex flow in profiled annular seals, such as those used in labyrinth seals or seals with borehole patterns in modern turbomachinery.

In his work, Mr Robrecht developed two models that significantly improve the predictability of profiled annular seals. Extensive analytical and numerical analyses were used to develop a comprehensive model for the boundary conditions of the sealing gaps and a new friction factor model for labyrinth and borehole seals. The validation was carried out using selected measurement data from the institute's own gap flow test rigs.

Mr Robrecht's results contribute to an improved understanding of the fluid mechanical phenomena in modern annular seals. Furthermore, the efficient calculation tool enables precise prediction of the static and dynamic properties. Both will make it possible to push the performance limits of existing and future machines and thus contribute to more sustainable development.

We would like to congratulate Mr Robrecht on passing his doctoral exam and wish him all the best for the future.